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Los Altos zoning administrator approves design review for 380 Abuelita Drive
Summary
Zoning Administrator Nick Sorens approved a design-review application for a new two-story, 3,905 sq. ft. house at 380 Abuelita Drive, finding it consistent with R1-10 standards. Staff reported 30 trees on site, 11 protected, with nine protected trees proposed for removal; neighbors who attended a meeting expressed support.
Zoning Administrator Nick Sorens approved a design-review application Wednesday for a new two-story house proposed at 380 Abuelita Drive, clearing the project to move to building plan check.
City planning staff member Jia summarized the application for the property, saying it would replace an existing two-story residence with a new two-story, 3,905-square-foot home that includes a 1,211-square-foot basement and a 320-square-foot detached accessory structure. Jia said the project is filed under the R1-10 zoning district and was designed in a modern farmhouse style intended to be consistent with the city's single-family residential design guidelines. “Staff now recommend that zone administrator approve the application subject to the listed findings and conditions,” Jia said.
Sorens questioned an apparent discrepancy in the staff report about protected-tree removals. Staff clarified that the site contains 30 trees, 11 of which are protected, and that nine protected trees are proposed for removal as part of the project. The staff presentation also described proposed new landscaping including 12 new trees and 14 evergreen screening bushes; staff reported no written objections from adjacent neighbors as of the hearing.
The applicant told the hearing team they had met with neighboring homeowners to the north and west and that those neighbors were supportive. “They were both in support of the project,” the applicant said, noting that the existing house is also two stories and is closer to property lines than the proposed second story.
After closing the public hearing, Sorens said he had reviewed staff materials and found the project compliant with the single-family design-review standards and the applicable R1-10 development standards. “I find the project to be approved, as presented today,” he said. Sorens directed staff to prepare a formal approval letter for the applicant so they can proceed to building plan check.
The hearing adjourned at 4:08 p.m.
